Monday, July 15, 2013

Reflections by Sara Vinduska (Book Review)



Reflections by Sara Vinduska
I recently ran into a young woman selling a book at the fair.  I always try to help out a local artist—especially a local author.  (I believe in reaping and sowing.)  When I buy a book from a local author, I'm always hoping the book will be "okay."  Well, let me tell you, Sara Vinduska is not "okay", she is absolutely fantastic.  I started reading her book late on Saturday evening and before I knew it, I was already on page 40.  I completely devoured the book by Monday, which is a chore for me (ADHD, need I say more?).

Sara sets Reflections in both Colorado and Wyoming, with an occasional visit to both LA and New York City, and a really pleasant visit to Ireland which lasts several weeks.  Her book follows a likeable hero named Lash, and a heroine named Justine, and let me tell you, I felt like I was falling in love with her by the end of the book!  The story is a drama/suspense story with a rather tasteful love story woven throughout the story line.  Sara does something that not many authors do: she continues the story once the major storyline tension is resolved.  She continues to follow her characters as the aftermath of their crisis abates, and does a darn good job.  Sara has a firm grasp on basic and complicated human emotions, love, frustration, fear, joy, grief, and excitement.  I would swear she has a PHD in psychology, for her insights are spot on, and could possibly save many people years of therapy if they follow her story line close enough!

Sara's book is rich in dialog, and doesn't bog the reader down with unnecessary details that hinder a reader's progress.  Her love scenes are handled tastefully, and her action sequences are not over dramatized.  Sara's ability to develop both complicated characters and storylines into simple, engaging words demonstrates her skill and firmly declares that she is a master storyteller.  Although, I have to admit, I was a bit overwhelmed with her completely surprising ending (I won't spoil it, and I promise you won't see it coming!), but I suspect she has a purpose for it in the next installment of the series.  Her next book can't come soon enough, that's for sure!

Trust me, Sara is a treasure.  Her work is worth your time, and you will find it as rewarding as did I.  And if you ever get a chance to meet her, you will see that her engaging smile is not her only strength.  There is true depth and foundation deep in her soul, and I expect great things from her in the future.